Root Canals: Who Needs ‘Em?

When it comes to dentistry, no other procedure gets a bad rep quite like a root canal. Whether you’ve ever had a root canal or not, just the thought of a dentist working on the soft inner tissue of your tooth can send chills up your spine.

This is certainly understandable. But at Bayou Dental Group, we know that the collective attitude toward root canals is undeserved. We hear from patients all the time who say their root canal treatment in our office was similar to getting a dental filling, so it’s not as uncomfortable as you might think.

So why does the thought of a root canal have so many of us running in the opposite direction from the dentist’s chair? Is it because of a bad dental experience from your past? Or is it simply out of fear of the unknown?

Whatever the reason, we’re here to set the record straight about this procedure.

Let’s start by looking at some of the most common reasons for a root canal.

Who Needs ‘Em?

One of the most ironic things about the general disdain for root canal therapy is that the painful symptoms leading up to it can be far more excruciating than the procedure itself!

Look, you’ve never had a toothache until you’ve experienced the pain of an infected tooth. Obviously, it’s different for everyone, but many people feel an intense, sometimes relentless, throbbing pain in or around their jaw. It might be concentrated to a particular tooth, or it can be more generalized where you can’t quite tell which tooth is specifically hurting.

This kind of pain can be quite distracting, making it difficult for you to concentrate throughout the day or almost impossible to sleep at night, despite trying to manage it with OTC pain relievers. Depending on the actual cause of the pain, you might even experience a fever along with it.

Sometimes, however, you may have a toothache that’s less intense, but still uncomfortable. You might suddenly experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks or from pressure when biting down on certain foods. It’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible any time you experience a toothache, no matter the level of discomfort.

Other symptoms that could mean you need a root canal are swollen gums, tooth discoloration, or chronic bad breath. These symptoms may not seem as pressing to you as an actual toothache, but any time you notice something out of the ordinary with your teeth and gums, it’s important to see your dentist.

It’s better to be proactive with your oral health rather than wait for symptoms to worsen over time. Regular dental cleanings and exams are key to keeping your mouth as healthy as possible. One of the tricky things about your oral health is that some of the most threatening conditions come with virtually no noticeable symptoms at all.

That’s even true for root canals. That’s why routine dental checkups can be one of your best preventive measures in protecting you from harmful infections that can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health.

Who Treats ‘Em?

Our team at Bayou Dental Group, of course!

If an examination reveals that you need a root canal treatment, you can trust that procedure to the capable hands of our highly-trained expert, Dr. Finley.

He will first numb the area using a local anesthetic. For especially fearful patients who suffer from dental anxiety, he can administer oral sedation to make sure you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible while you receive treatment.

Once you’re ready, Dr. Finley will use tools to gently clean the infected tooth. Then he will sanitize and seal the tooth using a dental crown made specifically to match the look and feel of your natural tooth.

Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Finley!

Yes, root canals have a pretty bad reputation among the general public. But trust us, the pain that can lead up to a root canal can be far worse.

Don’t wait for painful symptoms to knock you off of your feet before seeing Dr. Finley. Let our experienced team help keep potential dental problems at bay. Call us today at 318-302-4236 or fill out our online form to schedule a cleaning and exam.